The application and intake process

Do I have to attend a certain number of counselling sessions before I apply for treatment?

No. You do not have to attend a certain number of counselling sessions before you can apply for facility-based treatment.    

However, because treatment involves travel and deep personal work, it often takes more than one meeting with a case manager to make sure a facility-based program is the right fit, and to complete the full process.

Your case manager will talk with you about what’s needed to attend and may use screening or readiness tools to help. This helps make sure you feel prepared for the treatment process and understand what to expect. If a facility-based program isn’t the best fit right now, your case manager can help explore other supports that are available. 

Why does the process take so much time?

Facility-based treatment involves important steps to make sure you’re prepared and that everything is in place before you travel.

Your case manager will work with you to complete application forms, book travel, and meet the program’s requirements. This can take time, especially if you need medical forms, help with ID, or other documents first. Your case manager will help guide you through each step.

Taking the time to plan, prepare, and make sure you know what to expect helps you get the most out of treatment and supports your success, both during the program and when you return.

Why do I need to have a case manager?

Your case manager is there to support you through the entire process — before, during, and after treatment.

They will help you understand what to expect, talk with you about your goals, and make sure a facility-based program is the right fit. They also help with the paperwork and coordination needed to apply for treatment, including travel, application forms, and other requirements.

Your case manager will also help plan for your return to the NWT by connecting you with services in your community.

Can my family member or friend be my case manager?

No.  Case managers are trained to talk about personal and sometimes hard emotional things.  Their job is to support you without judgement, keep your information private and make sure your recovery stays focused on your needs. 

They also understand the treatment process and can help you through the steps, like applying to a facility and arranging travel, to make sure nothing is missed. 

Family and friends can still be an important part of your support system.  You can include them as much as you choose by giving consent to share information.  

If you need help finding a case manager, contact your local Community Counselling Program.  No referral is needed, and same-day appointments are available.

You can also speak to a health or social services professional like a nurse, doctor, or social worker for help getting started.

What should I expect while I am at treatment?

Every treatment facility is a little different, but all of them involve deep personal work and a structured daily routine. You will follow a schedule that includes group sessions, individual counselling, scheduled mealtimes, chores, and rest or recreation time. 

Most facilities have shared bedrooms and bathrooms, a shared dining area, and space for group and/or physical activities.  The facility schedule will let you know when you can participate in different activities. 

Visit the Facility-Based Addictions Treatment page for more information.

What are the usual wait times for the treatment facilities?

The wait time is usually between 2 weeks and 2 months, depending on the facility. Most people wait about 3-4 weeks after submitting their complete application before starting treatment. 

What if I need to go to treatment immediately?

There is no access to emergency facility-based addictions treatment.  Your case manager can discuss current wait times and work with you to create a care plan to support you during the waiting period.  

If you are pregnant, some facilities do have a process to expedite intake.  It is important to notify your case manager.

If you have concerns or questions about your physical health, contact a health care provider in your community or call 811 for non-emergency health support.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your local Emergency Department or health centre immediately.   

Facility and travel information

Why can I only use Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) approved facilities?

All facilities contracted by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) have gone through its procurement process.  This ensures contracts are set up in a fair and consistent way and that the facility meets standards for quality and safety. 

Is my travel to a facility covered?

Yes. Once you have an intake date, travel to and from the treatment facility is arranged and paid for by the GNWT.  No additional stops or changes to the route are funded.

What do I need to travel to treatment? 

You need:

• A valid NWT health care card (Apply or renew your NWT Health Care Card)
• Valid identification (ID) that meets Transport Canada’s requirements for air travel within Canada (Check ID requirements for air travel).

Temporary NWT Driver’s Licenses and NWT General Identification Cards (GIC) issued by the GNWT are accepted for air travel.  These are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. 

Both your health care card and ID must be valid for the entire treatment period so you can safely return to the NWT once treatment is complete. The treatment period will depend on which program you choose, it can vary between a few weeks to a few months. 

Are there other facility options that I can explore for treatment?

Yes.  Indigenous Services Canada funds treatment through the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program (NNADAP) for First Nations and Inuit people.

This program is separate from the GNWT.  To learn more, visit: Substance use treatment centres for First Nations and Inuit. 

What if I decide to use a different facility or arrange treatment on my own?

If you choose to attend a treatment facility that is not contracted by the GNWT, the costs will not be covered. There will be no reimbursement for treatment arranged on your own.

If you are approved for treatment through Indigenous Services Canada’s NNADAP, funding and travel is provided through that program.

Planning for after treatment

Who will help me with my aftercare plan and help to make sure I have supports in place for when I return to the NWT?

The same case manager who helped you get to treatment will also help plan for after treatment.  It’s helpful to stay in touch with them during treatment and check in with them before you leave.

The treatment facility will also help you prepare to leave and talk with you about aftercare.   

Working together with both your case manager, and the treatment centre can help support your success after treatment.  

What if I have complaints or feedback about a treatment facility?

All feedback and complaints about treatment facilities are taken seriously.  We also like to hear if you have positive things to share. 

If you have feedback, questions or concerns about the Facility-Based Addictions Treatment program email resaddictionstx@gov.nt.ca.